One devoted modern girl + a meddlesome, traditional grandmother = a heartwarming multicultural romantic comedy about finding love where you least expect it
Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn't mean she has to like it--or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina's side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she's ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn't know won't hurt her...
As Raina's life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged-marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother's dreams.
Raina Anand may have finally given in to family pressure and agreed to let her grandmother play matchmaker, but that doesn't mean she has to like it--or that she has to play by the rules. Nani always took Raina's side when she tried to push past the traditional expectations of their tight-knit Indian-immigrant community, but now she's ambushing Raina with a list of suitable bachelors. Is it too much to ask for a little space? Besides, what Nani doesn't know won't hurt her...
As Raina's life spirals into a parade of Nani-approved bachelors and disastrous blind dates, she must find a way out of this modern-day arranged-marriage trap without shattering her beloved grandmother's dreams.
Christy's Review:
The Matchmaker’s List was a fantastic debut novel by Sonya Lalli. By the cover and the blurb, I was expecting this to be a cutesy and fun rom-com. While it was that, it was also much more angsty and emotional than I thought it would be.
Raina is almost thirty. Raina’s grandmother is from India and holds their traditions to heart. She wants Raina married and settled down, and it seems all Raina wants to do is work. After having her heart broken years ago, Raina just isn’t in the dating game right now. But her grandma isn’t having that. Grandmother plays matchmaker much to Raina’s dismay.
Raina goes on some awful dates an meets some questionable characters, all per her grandma's picking. Nothing feels right. Raina is desperate to get her grandmother off her back and ends up getting herself in a bit of a pickle. It’s one of those lies that seems harmless at the time then gets completely out of control. Trying to navigate life, she is at a crossroads. Coming clean could mean hurting a lot of people she loves but she can’t keep on as she’s keeping on. Raina will have to decide what she wants in life and what is most important- her own self love and happiness.
I really did enjoy The Matchmaker’s List. It was part romance, part chick-lit, and it had a lot of heart. I loved the family ties, the friendship, and the self acceptance. This was a coming of age story of sorts, and I loved being along for Raina’s journey. Raina who never felt good enough finally got that validation she needed, but more importantly, she felt it herself.
“I don’t need you to have husband.” She moved her left hand to my cheek. “You are perfect, my Raina. Just as you are.”
If you’re looking for a heartwarming story of self discovery, family, friendship, and love- pick this one up! It was highly entertaining and a lot of fun to read.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sonya Lalli is a Canadian writer of Indian heritage. She studied law in her hometown of Saskatoon and at Columbia University in New York, and later completed an MA in Creative Writing and Publishing at City, University of London. Sonya has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and loves travel, yoga and cocktail bartending. She lives in Toronto with her husband.
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